As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about GRIEF.  I spoke with a number of people in the last few weeks who have experienced the loss of loved ones.  When we recall that pain, we experience GRIEF.  One of my friends shared a quote they found that says, “And when nobody wakes you up in the morning, and when nobody waits for you at night, and when you can do whatever you want, what do you call it, freedom or loneliness?” 

That is a lot to think about, because whenever there is loss, there is great change. I think that when we are in grief, our emotions go back-and-forth.  Every situation is a little different, but the effects of GRIEF are profound!  

Another quote I’ve found is, “GRIEF is just love with nowhere to go!”  If you, or someone you know, are experiencing grief, then turn to our Lord!  Let HIM embrace you and your uncertainty, for Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary, and I will give you rest.” 

Today, reach out to a friend who may be grieving.  Or, if you yourself are grieving, spend some time with the Lord and feel his comforting embrace. 

Have a blessed day!

As I sit and have my cup of coffee with Jesus, I was thinking about grieving.  Grief is a difficult task to undertake.  Yesterday, one of my friends went to see the Lord.  Father Larry was a priest for over 50 years and spent the last 28 years coming to my parishes, celebrating both Easter and Christmas, and spent a month in the summer (takes a special friend to come to Bakersfield in June and July!)  He spent his life in Catholic education, but, most of all, he had a deep and close relationship with Our Lord.

I will miss our Sunday night talks, the holidays, the traveling, and the summers.  I will miss my friend.  But I also sit out daily talking with our Lord, dreaming of that time that I see Jesus face to face. 

I know there are stages of grieving.  I have watched them and been through this before.  Today, I am going to choose to celebrate my friend!  I am having a second cup of coffee with Jesus and thanking HIM for the years he gave me with him.  I am going to reflect on his new life with our Lord, a life that he worked so hard for.  I am going to lift up his family, the Marianist community, and all the lives he impacted.  And I say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant, go and share your Master’s reward.”  And you would be very proud of your family, they think of you every day, they feel your presence, and they trust in God. 

Have a blessed day!